A FEMALE security officer who was on duty at the Califonia Government Primary School when a man walked into the compound and attempted to sexually assault an infant girl, has been removed from the school compound.

The incident occurred last week during assembly and it left students and staff members traumatised. Officials at the Trinidad and Tobago Teachers Union (TUTTA) have blamed the incident on an inadequate and inefficient security system at schools across the country.

According to reports the incident occurred at 8.30 am when the man walked passed the security officer at the guard booth when students were preparing for assembly in the school yard.

According to eyewitnesses, the man walked up to a group of infant students and began to pull off the under garment of a child while at the same time unzipping his pants. The school’s principal sprang into action and fought with the man who beat her.

With the help of several persons the man was subdued and police called in. He was later arrested. Communications specialist at the Education Ministry Yolanda Morales-Carvalho told Newsday an investigation has been launched.

Morales-Carvalho said ministry officials will meet with different security companies to discuss ways to improve security at schools across the nation. Carvalho said the security guard was removed after protests staged by enraged parents.

TUTTA first vice-president Davanand Sinanan described the incident as sad and unfortunate. He said the man breached security and entered the compound.

“There was one security guard at the compound and she was not able to restrain the man,” Sinanan said. He added that the school principal sustained severe injuries when she confronted the would be rapist.

He said the last time he spoke to the principal she was receiving medical attention.

Sinanan said the breach could have been prevented. “There are inadequate security in all schools, both primary and secondary. One female security officer to man an entire school compound is just not right,” Sinanan said, adding that students, mainly infants, were very traumatised. Investigations are continuing.